Merry Christmas

from

Macon, Georgia

Today the Flower Child finally finished hanging the Wreaths at our Home in West Bibb County Georgia. You were able to see the front door detail yesterday. Here is what the whole house looks like at night. Have a Blessed Christmas 2009!!!

Christmas 2009

Once again the Flower Child is able to participate in that most Wonderful Time of the Year. Christmas 2009 Celebrations have commenced and people everywhere are decorating their homes and workplaces.

Have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!!

Come You Thankful People Come!!!

On Sunday, November 22 I invited everyone to attend the Thanksgiving Eve Service at the Church I attend. The Service tonight focused on the Bountiful Blessings our God Gives Us. The Altar was appropriately adorned.

The Children's Sermon contained a great lesson, even for us Adults. We should not focus on the darkness in our lives. Rather we should focus on the light in our lives - The Blessings We enjoy which we receive from our Creator, God.

The Message stressed the importance of appreciating our Blessings, even in these challenging times. All too often we dwell in the darkness in our lives. By focusing on God's Great Light, His Grace which allows us to enjoy Eternal Life in Heaven we can be Thankful for all of our Blessings.

Wreaths Across America

One Man started this Wonderful Program. You can participate by Sponsoring a Wreath. First I would advise you to view at least one of the Videos here:

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Videos/

After you have seen the impact of this Wreath Program please consider becoming a Wreath Sponsor. All You have to do is visit this site:

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

And click on the "Sponsor a Wreath" tab. You are also able to select the Cemetery you want your wreath to be displayed. You must note the location ID when you visit the State Tab and then enter that ID Code during the online ordering process. It is very easy to do.

You can also volunteer to assist at any location you desire. Simply send a message to the Contact Person listed for the Cemetery you desire to visit on Saturday, December 12, 2009. Most events are scheduled to happen at 12:00 Noon, but local requirements may cause the time to be different therefore you are urged to check with the site.

Georgia Veterans Memorial Cementery, Milledgeville

Location ID: GAGVMM

Location Leader: Lyman "Chip Oehring

Phone: (678) 823-3003

E-Mail: loehring@comcast.net

Or

Andersonville National Historic Cemetery

Location ID: GAANHC

Location Leader: Capt Robert Kelly Jr.

Phone: (229) 938-4204

E-Mail: Firechappy@msn.com

Thank You!!!!

Evening Scene

West Bibb County Georgia

I have often heard the adage that "Time Flies When You Are Having Fun!" This picture was taken a mere ten weeks ago here in West Bibb County Georgia.

Thank You!!!

On Board USS Bainbridge (DDG 96)

NORFOLK, Va. (Nov. 19, 2009) Capt. Richard Phillips, former commanding officer of M/V Maersk Alabama, publicly thanks the commanding officer and Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) for his dramatic rescue at sea. On Easter Sunday, April 12, Navy SEALs positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge opened fire and killed three of the pirates who were holding Phillips hostage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released)

Heroes From Macon, Georgia

As we all prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving 2oo9 I think that it is important to show our gratitude for the Heroes who served in our Navy who are from Macon, Georgia.

At sea aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) Jul. 14, 2002 -- Fire Controlman 3rd Class Eric Moore from Macon, GA, currently assigned to the ship’s environmental department, places a disc inside of a plastic bag for disposal. The melting unit compresses plastic trash, to reduce the size of the garbage for easier storage during deployments. The discs are stored on board until they can be removed from the ship and properly recycled or disposed. Wasp's environmental department processes 160 plastic discs daily. The Wasp’s Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are conducting missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Fireman Vernishia R. Vaughn. (RELEASED)


Pacific Ocean (Aug. 1, 2004) - Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Miranda Alnond from Macon, Ga., makes preparations for a sidewinder missile to be loaded onto an F-14D Tomcat assigned to the "Tomcatters" of Fighter Squadron Three One (VF-31) on the flight deck aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) are at sea participating in a scheduled deployment and supporting Summer Pulse 2004 which is the deployment of seven carrier strike groups (CSGs), demonstrating the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat capability across the globe, in five theaters with other U.S., allied, and coalition military forces. Summer Pulse is the Navy's first deployment under its new Fleet Response Plan (FRP). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Johnnie R. Robbins (RELEASED)

Atlantic Ocean (Sept. 18, 2004) - Airman Marlon Bradly of Macon, Ga., makes final checks to a T-45A Goshawk attached to Training Air Wing One (TW-1), before launch off the flight deck aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). The Norfolk, Va. based nuclear powered aircraft carrier is conducting routine training off the East Coast of the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jessica Davis (RELEASED)

San Diego, Calif. (April 29, 2005) - Seaman Angela Carswell from Macon, Ga., runs with students competing in the 18th annual “Jog-a-Thon” in support of the Zamorano elementary Parent Teacher Foundation (PTF) fundraiser. Sailors stationed aboard the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) volunteer their time to support various community activities through out the greater San Diego area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Roland Franklin (RELEASED)

PACIFIC OCEAN (March 25, 2008) Seaman Dewayne Robinson, of Macon, Ga., sands paint from an anchor chain in the forecastle of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). The chain is attached to a 60,000-pound anchor with each link weighing about 360 pounds. Kitty Hawk is conducting training exercises in the U.S. 7th fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John J. Mike (Released)

Everyone us us certainly can be proud of these Heroes from Macon, Georgia.

Come You Thankful People Come!!

You may not have heard this phrase. It is the opening line in a Hymn that is commonly used at Thanksgiving Time in Lutheran Congregations.

To view the complete lyrics please visit:

http://lutheran-hymnal.com/lyrics/lw495.htm

You are also invited to Worship this Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 P.M. at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity at 1899 Tucker Road, Macon, Georgia 31220.

You can also visit the Church Website at:

http://holytrinitymacon.org/

You are certainly Welcome to Worship with us this Thanksgiving Eve and of course every Sunday Morning. Thank You!!

Photography Shoot

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The Flower Child's Home

Some of the readers here know that the Flower Child is in the Middle Georgia Camera Club. He is also in several Photographic Society of America Study Groups. One of these study groups is for those who shoot 35 MM Slides. The other study group is for digital images. I still enjoy doing both. The purpose of these study groups is to allow each group member to critique their peers work and offer comments, both good and what can be done to improve the images. What you are viewing in the above image is the texture of the base of a Crepe Myrtle Tree.

This is an image of Crepe Myrtle leaves along with the berries. Certainly a picture that lacks a center of interest, but I like the Autumn colors so I took the shot. Again, if you desire to see more detail in this image as with most images on my Blog, simply click on the picture.

This image is of the "Burning Bush," so named because of the red leaves that grace this shrub each Fall. Of course the Holy Bible commentary concerning Moses when God talked to him is the background for the common name of this shrub.

These are the blooms and seed pods of the Fatsia Plant which is flourishing in the planters that flank the front entrance. An interesting plant with large leaves and interesting blooms. I especially like the texture that these blooms present in a picture.

There is a street lamp at the corner of the property where the Flower Child lives. The crepe myrtle has overcome this lamp, but the image above captured my attention and I had to take a shot.

Ah, Ah, Fall, that wonderful time of the year when it is cool enough to enjoy the bright colors of Mother Nature.

The Radio City

Christmas Spectacular

The Rockettes

Several months ago our Gas South Natural Gas Bill contained a coupon for reduced price admission to the Christmas Spectacular by The Rockettes at Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre.

This Spectacular is running from November 19, 2009 through December 6, 2009 and you can obtain tickets by calling 800-745-3000.

I provided the ticket purchasing information now for all of you. My Bride and I just returned from this fabulous event. We attended the 4:00 P.M. performance today. We also enjoyed a fine lunch enroute to Atlanta in the City of Griffin, Georgia at our favorite dining spot, The Manhattan on Highway 41 on the North Side of Griffin.

The highlight of the Christmas Spectacular for me was the finale where they presented "The Christmas Story" complete with Sheep and Camels from Luke Chapter 2. A fitting conclusion for this event at Atlanta's Fabulous Fox. I had never attended any event at the Fox and was totally impressed.

Of course I would urge everyone to attend this event. As I indicated above, the Finale where they presented "The Christmas Story" certainly started my 2009 Christmas Season.

Pumpkin Pie Crisis

2009

Yesterday as I was viewing Fox News I noted the crawl on the bottom of the screen. Because of the abundance of rain in recent weeks the producers of Pumpkins have been unable to harvest the 2009 crop. Therefore the good folks at Libby's have announced that we just may be facing a Pumpkin Pie Crisis this Thanksgiving Season. The crawl went on to say that because of a shortage of Pumpkins from the 2008 season, this year the shortage of pumpkins will be much more severe.

In order to prevent a crisis I stopped by my friendly food market last evening and procured my two cans of Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix. I would advise anyone who is addicted to Pumpkin Pie on Thanksgiving to procure their Pie Mix today. While this may appear to be a minor problem, it does indeed allow us to focus on the fact that the weather can and often does have a severe impact on our food chain.

Of course I already know that there will be those who try to fault some elected official with this crisis. My reply to those is: "Deal With It."

The Perfect Christmas Tree

The Quest Has Begun

Most everyone knows that the Flower Child enjoys a lovely looking Christmas Tree. Today I performed some research on the World Wide Web. I found this Gold and White Tree at:

http://www.remodelingmyspace.com/christmas-decoration-ideas/christmas-trees/pictures-decorated-christmas-tree-themes.htm

You may desire to also visit this site to learn more about developing the Perfect Christmas Tree for you 2009 Christmas Celebrations.

Halloween 2009

Weatherby Drive

West Bibb County Georgia

I must be honest and admit that I am a bit slow in publishing these images. It was a fun evening and I know that all the Children enjoyed the traditional Reese's Candy.

Gerald R Ford (CVN-78)

Keel Laying

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Nov. 14, 2009) Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President Gerald R. Ford and ship's sponsor of the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), writes her initials onto a metal plate during the keel laying and authentication ceremony. Gerald R. Ford is the newest class of aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

An artist's conception (2004) of CVN-78, the first of a new generation carrier design, CVN-21, for the US Navy, underway at Northrop Grumman Newport News. Construction is slated to begin in 2007. US Navy Photo courtesy Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding

The 25th Annual Putnam County

Spelling Bee

If your schedule has prevented you from attending any performance of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" by the Youth Actor's Company of Macon, Georgia I would urge you to lay all other obligations aside and do so today, Saturday November 14 or Sunday November 15.

You can visit this website to acquire information about obtaining tickets:

http://www.theatremacon.com/

I had the great fortune to attend this production on Friday the 13th and came away with an appreciation of today's Youth. These talented actors and actresses certainly deserve the respect of everyone in Middle Georgia. Their talent while producing a specific character or even while singing is simply overwhelming.

If you believe the word "bodacious" means unrestrained by convention or propriety you are in for an event that will be entertaining as well as emotional. As the Director, Katy Thompson stated in her notes: "It's not often you find a show which has humor and heart imbedded in every scene."

I would certainly agree with that statement. Please visit the Website indicated above and make your phone call now to acquire the tickets you need to attend this event.

Counter-Piracy Operations

Somalia

These operations have not generated much media coverage in recent weeks, but please be aware that our U. S. Navy is still engaged in these operations off of the Coast of Africa. Our Heroes continue to be deployed in international waters to perform the missions assigned to our Navy.

I would urge everyone to continue to remember these Heroes in their daily prayers. Not only our U. S. Navy Heroes, but the Heroes in our U. S. Air Force, the Heroes in our U. S. Army, the Heroes in our U. S. Marines and the Heroes in the U. S. Coast Guard also.

Thank You!!!

GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 8, 2009) The guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) maneuvers past a fishing dhow in the Gulf of Aden while conducting counter-piracy operations. Chosin is the flagship for Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor/Released)


GULF OF ADEN (Oct. 14, 2009) The sun sets behind the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) and a rigid hull inflatable boat as they wait for the completion of a boarding by Anzio's visit, board, search and seizure team and U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (91104) in the Gulf of Aden. Anzio is the flagship for Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew Bash/Released)

GULF OF ADEN (Nov. 9, 2009) The sun sets in the Gulf of Aden as the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) concludes another day of counter-piracy operations. Chosin is the flagship for Combined Joint Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Scott Taylor/Released)

Veteran's Day 2009

It is always refreshing to observe the age ranges of the Citizens of this great Country as they observe our National Holidays. I appreciate the fact that all age groups are represented in the 2009 Observance.

GULFPORT, Miss. (Nov. 7, 2009) Stephanie M. Jones, commanding officer of Naval Construction Training Center (NCTC) Gulfport leads Sailors in the 9th annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Veterans Parade in downtown Gulfport. (U.S. Navy photo By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael D. Wright/Released)

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Nov. 7, 2009) Members of the Melbourne Sea Cadet Color Guard retire the colors during the 2009 Veteran's Day Ceremony and Muster XXIV at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Fla. The annual muster is held at the museum, which is located on the original training grounds of the Scouts and Raiders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Clark/Released)

ARLINGTON, Va. (Nov. 10, 2009) A Marine plays Taps during a wreath laying ceremony at the Marine Corps Memorial in honor of the 234th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Nov. 7, 2009) Members of the World War II era Scouts and Raiders stand to be recognized during the 2009 Veterans Day Ceremony and Muster XXIV at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Fla. The annual muster is held at the museum, which is located on the original training grounds of the Scouts and Raiders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Clark/Released)

Of course it is with great pride that I publish this Post today, November 11, 2009. Our Country has certainly displayed the fact that we Honor and Respect our Veterans.

As but one Veteran, myself, I appreciate this fact. Have A Great Day!!!

Memorial Service November 10th, 2009

Fort Hood Texas

Today, just one day short of Veteran's Day 2009 our Country paused for almost two hours to honor the thirteen Heroes who gave their lives at Fort Hood Texas on November 5, 2009.

There were several statements that captured my heart. One was a message that focused on "Trust" in our Military. They learn teamwork and trust each other. We as the citizens of this great country also "Trust" them to protect our way of life.

During the Memorial Service I also heard one speaker who focused on Holy Scripture, Isaiah Chapter six and he stated that our Nation's Heroes upon joining our Military answer the Call Of Our Country just as Isaiah answered God's Call to go and deliver a message to his people.

The Quoted Verse reads: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord Saying 'Whom shall I send?' And who will go for us? And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

I found this a very appropriate verse and I am confident that the mourners also found comfort in these words. The Men and Women who lost their lives on November 5, 2009 certainly answered the call of our Country.

The reading from Holy Scripture for this Memorial Service was also from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 40. The heading for this Chapter is entitled "Comfort for God's People."

This Chapter also was the source of several of the musical selections in "The Messiah" by George Frideric Handel. The versus for the Memorial Service were 26 through 31 which I will quote here:

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Prior to the Memorial Service the U. S. Army Band at Fort Hood played a series of songs that are very comforting. One was "Be Still My Soul," which is often used at funerals. The other that I recognized very quickly was "Beautiful Savior."

I am confident that these musical selections were also very comforting to those who had suffered such great loss last November 5, 2009.

Our President delivered a power speech which include a brief summary of each of these Heroes. As the Memorial Service concluded he also presented each Hero with a "Presidential Coin." I am confident that these coins will be of great treasure to the survivors of each of these Heroes.

This Memorial Service was certainly a great tribute to these Heroes. After I viewed this event on Television I took the opportunity to review my E-Mail messages. Among them was this fine message from a young Michael Alan Thiese. I will quote it here:

"As I sit here pondering the upcoming holiday.......sorry, sounding like my dad now. Anyway as I begin to think about the upcoming holiday I would like to encourage all of you to remember our veterans of the past, present and future. They make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and we owe them greatly for that. As many of you know I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders and this veterans day will be a bit tougher for alot of pople in the St.Louis area as we are participating in a full Military honors Funeral and Escort ride at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary for a 23 year old soldier killed in Iraq last week. In closing I personally want to say thanks to all veterans for their services and sacrifices and I ask that the rest of you do that as well in the upcoming day. At 11:11 on Nov. 11 I ask all of you to take a moment of silence for those lost in battle or currently fighting for our freedoms that we all enjoy.

Mike "munk" Thiese
proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders"

As the Dad of Mike I could not be more proud of what he is doing. I certainly appreciate this message. I even obtained his permission to quote it here.

Have a Blessed Veteran's Day and always remember our Nation's heroes. As our President pointed out today, these are our Father's, our Mothers, Our Sons, our Daughters, our Sisters and our Brothers. I also add, these our our Neighbors and our Friends in every community in our great Nation.

Yes, every member of our Military currently serving and those who will serve are certainly our Heroes.

Thank You!!!

Security Watch

U. S. Navy

" ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 7, 2009) Yeoman 3rd Class Edgar Ruffin stands a force protection security watch aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman is underway conducting carrier qualifications. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jessica Ellington/Released)"

Time have certainly changed since I was on Aircraft Carrier Duty in 1963. Now we have Force Protection Security Watches watching for potential enemies.

Admittedly things have changed a lot. I am extremely thankful for these young heroes who answered the call to defend our way of life in the United States of America.

Veteran's Day

Ellaville, Georgia

Schley County

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Yesterday, November 8th I was able to attend the Veteran's Day Events in Ellaville, Georgia. The Rainbow Garden Club and the Auxilary of American Legion Post 191 in Ellaville observed the Day with a Lunch at the American Legion Post.

After a delightful lunch the Auxiliary conducted a Memorial Service where a candle was lite for each Veteran who had passed away since November 11, 2008. They also draped the POW Flag over a chair which allowed everyone in attendance to also remember these Heroes.

After the Lunch everyone proceeded to the City Square for the ground breaking of the Blue Star Memorial Marker which will be erected to also honor our Nation's Heroes, past, present and future. The Schley County High School Band performed the "Star Spangled Banner" as part of the celebration.

The Flag Corps also performed. This event certainly allowed everyone to focus on why it is such a pleasure to reside in any town in our great Country. The fellowship and the respect displayed by everyone in attendance was very emotional for me.

The events of the day were concluded by the ground breaking for the Blue Star Memorial Marker by the Mayor of Ellaville, Georgia.

A day filled with events that certainly honored The Veterans of the area. To learn more about the Blue Star Memorial Marker program please visit:

http://www.gardenclub.org/specialprojects/BlueStarMemorial.aspx

Thank You to all who have served, to all who are serving and also to all who will serve in defense of our United States of America.

In conclusion, the Flower Child would like to also state that the Town of Ellaville, Georgia and Schley County, Georgia certainly honored their Heroes on Sunday, November 8, 2009. The citizens of this area can certainly be proud of their Veteran's Day Celebration.

Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery

Georgia Highway 26

Southwest of Oglethorpe, Georgia

Today I traveled to Ellaville, Georgia in Schley County to attend a Veteran's Day Ceremony and also the ground breaking for a Blue Star Memorial Marker in the City Square. On our way as we traveled Georgia Highway 26 we noted the Zion Lutheran Church Marker. After the events in Ellaville were complete we reversed our trip and I took the opportunity to visit this historic cemetery.
After I read the larger marker along the highway I entered the Cemetery and I viewed this marker. This was the site of a Lutheran Church that was established in 1838.

As I walked around this Cemetery I found this restored grave site. The name immediately caught my eye and I had to take a picture.

This is an historic grave site with a steel fence around the marker. I noted that Sarah Jane Ellis was born Jun 14, 1839 and died on Dec 14, 1888. I suspect that her parents may have been Charter Members of Zion Lutheran Church when it was established in 1838.

As I was walking back to the highway I decided to take this image of the whole Cemetery. I just had to post this Blog Entry today. As a Lutheran who is also a transplanted Yankee to Georgia some years ago I am often told that this part of the Country is committed to other denominations. Based on this information I will now be able to state that the Lutherans also have a fairly long history in Georgia.

Just a reminder, by clicking on any image in my Blog Post you will be able to see a much larger photograph.

Thank You!!!

USS New York (LPD-21) Commissioning

NEW YORK (Nov. 7, 2009) Sailors man the ship and bring her to life during the commissioning ceremony of the of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) in New York City. New York Has 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center in her bow. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released)

NEW YORK (Nov. 7, 2009) Marines and Sailors bring the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) during a commissioning ceremony in New York. The ship has 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center towers forged into her bow, and will be used to support humanitarian, amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions around the world. New York is the sixth U.S. Navy ship named for the state and will be homeported in Norfolk, Va. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Keith L. Darby/Released)

My heart is troubled today, even as our Great Country Commissioned this great Ship, the USS New York (LPD 21) in New York City today, November the 7th.

Just a few days ago we all witnessed the news reports of a U. S. Army Doctor at Fort Hood Texas and how he killed thirteen people and wounded many more during his shooting spree at Fort Hood.

Just a few days ago I received an update on how our Department of Homeland Security is appointing individuals to leadership positions who are Muslims. The U. S. Army Doctor at Fort Hood is reported to also be a Muslim.

I simply can not understand how our Government can appoint these individuals to positions of leadership in our Defense Establishment and our Homeland Security Department. It is my understanding that U. S. Military Officers are promoted with the advise and consent of the U. S. Senate so it is my concern that our Senators are now a party as a group and as individuals to the promotion of an alledged killer who is a Muslim.

Additionally, appointing civilians in the Department of Homeland Security who are Muslims just seems to be totally incorrect.

Then I am also aware that our U. S. House of Representatives are in the process of passing a Bill that would require the U. S. Government to fund abortions. I can not comprehend this sad fact as being in the best interest of the U. S. Citizens.

Or, are are duly elected leaders so bent on being politically correct in their quest for votes that they ignore common sense and allow these things to happen? Certainly a troubling situation that I for one feel must be corrected if we are to continue to enjoy America as the Land of the Free.

I am extremely proud of our U. S. Military Heroes and I appreciate the efforts of our Defense Department in the construction of new ships, but it just does not seem correct that while we on one hand construct a superior weapons system that we allow enemies of our way of life to receive promotions or be given appointments to situations/positions where they could cause great harm to all of us.

I think that it is certainly time to respect life and to also communicate our beliefs to our duly elected officials at all levels.

The USS New York (LPD 21) should be a reminder of the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Can we as a Country allow our leaders to continue to be politically correct? The male and female Sailors of the U. S. Navy and the male and female Marines who serve in the USS New York already know the answer. They are possibly a minority in our Society, but it is my Prayer that there are many more like me who have troubled hearts tonight as we remember 9-11-2001. It is also my prayer that there are many more like me who have troubled hearts tonight as we remember the tragic event at Fort Hood Texas this past week.

It is my prayer tonight that God will guide our U. S. Congress to consider the consequences of Government funded abortions.

My dear Friends, it is not too late. We must consider our options and relate our concerns to our elected leaders at all levels. The time for being politically correct is over. We must all bond and also band together to execute what is good and proper for the future of our United States of America. Like the Sailors and Marines assigned to the USS New York (LPD-21), we as citizens must be dedicated to the Welfare of all of us, each of us as fellow Citizens of the United States of America.

For information about this great ship please visit:

http://www.ussny.org/ship.php

"Never Forget"

Lord of the Dance

Macon, Georgia 2010

Remember, You Saw It Here First!!!

Otis Redding

An Evening of RESPECT

Last evening it was my great fortune to spend the evening at the Atlanta Symphony Hall for the All-Star Musical Tribute to the Immortal Otis Redding. The event was a fund raiser for the Otis Redding Foundation which supports Youth and Education.

The Musical Tribute was terrific. Those of us who attended from Macon, Georgia also had the option of riding a Motor Coach to the event which was the option I selected. A delightful evening which was also enjoyed by three others from the Bibb County School System Mentor's Project.

A long evening to be certain, but one which will remain in my heart. Certainly a gala event!!!! I appreciate the efforts of FM 100.9 which promoted this event and also provided the four tickets which allowed us to attend.

Thank You!!!

Veteran's Day

Every year we take the time to Honor our Veterans on November 11th. As I reflected on the heritage that I enjoy and also the legacy of these Heroes I thought that it would be very appropriate to learn of the sacrifices these Men and Women made to keep our great Country safe.

This Blue Star Marker is located at Rest Stop 19 on I-475 in Bibb County, Georgia. This marker was erected by the Meadowbrook Garden Club of Macon to honor Colonel Benjamin H. Purcell of the United States Army. To learn more about this Hero please visit:

http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.asp?ID=105

Did you know that every Rest Stop/Area located on the Interstate Highway System within the State of Georgia has one of these plaques? Each of these plaques has a headline of:

The State of Georgia Salutes

Most of the time we are too busy attempting to reach our distinations to take the time to pause and actually read what is on these plaques.

I added up the numbers of Georgia Citizens who served us all during the last century. Here is what I learned:

Georgia Citizens Who Served: 732,373

Georgia Citizens Who Were Killed In Action (KIA): 10,655

Georgia Citizens Who Were Wounded in Action (WIA): 24,557

Georgia Citizens Who Were Former Prisioners of War (POW): 839

Georgia Citizens Who Were Missing In Action (MIA): 630

During the time frame of the Cold War the State of Georgia provided over 1,000,000 Citizens who served our United States of America. As of July 1, 1999 there were 660,900 Veterans living in Georgia.

If you checked the link provided above you discovered that Colonel Benjamine H. Purcell was a Prisoner of War during the Vietnam War. During the course of the History of the United States our Country has had 661,455 citizens were were taken prisoners during combat.

We honor these heroes by flying the POW Flag.


I appreciated the fact that the wind was strong enough today to allow me to capture the flags during my visit to this Rest Stop to obtain the pictures for this post. Did you know that by clinking on the pictures that you will obtain a larger image for you to view and to also read the detail on the plaques much easier?

As You Reflect on the importance of Veterans Day and also participate in Veterans Day activities on November 11th, please remember that we in the United States of America are most fortunate to have had these Heroes in our History so that we can enjoy life today.

Then, let us also pause and extend our Thanks and our Gratitude to those who are currently serving. Additionally, keep these Heroes and their respective families in your daily prayers.

Thank You, Veterans of the Past, Veterans of the Present, and yes the Veterans of the Future!!!

May God Continue to Bless America!!!!

USS New York

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2009) The amphibious transport dock ship Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) navigates off the coast of Long Island prior to her arrival in New York City. At approximately 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the yet-to-be commissioned ship will come to a halt in the Hudson River. There, opposite the former World Trade Center site, the future USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) will dip her colors, fire a 21-gun salute to the people of her namesake city and state, and proceed to Pier 88 to be formally inducted into the Fleet at a shipboard ceremony on Nov. 7.The New York Has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center Steel in the bow. The ship's motto is "Strength Forged through Sacrifice. Never Forget." (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st class Corey Lewis/Released)